Speculations have been rife about the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup being the final appearance for cricketing icons Virat Kohli and Steve Smith. However, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes it's premature to jump to such conclusions.
Virat Kohli, who began his World Cup journey in 2011, was an integral part of the team that clinched the trophy that year. Since then, he has become a cornerstone for India in the tournament. With 26 World Cup matches under his belt, Kohli has accumulated a commendable 1030 runs, boasting a high score of 107. Notably, he set a record during the 2019 World Cup by notching five consecutive half-centuries - a testament to his consistency and skill.
Steve Smith, representing the Australian side, has also showcased extraordinary prowess in the World Cup arena. He was pivotal in Australia's 2015 World Cup triumph. Smith's versatility as a batsman was evident as he racked up 402 runs at an impressive average of 67 during the tournament, including a ton and four half-centuries. This made him the top run-scorer for Australia that year. By the 2019 edition, Smith continued his form, amassing 379 runs with an average nearing 38.
Addressing the speculations, Manjrekar, during his chat with Star Sports ahead of the India-Australia match, opined that fans should refrain from seeing the 2023 edition as the final World Cup stint for Kohli and Smith. Emphasizing their critical roles, Manjrekar highlighted that both players have consistently delivered during the crucial middle phase of the game, making them invaluable assets to their respective teams.
"We should never say things like that with people like Virat Kohli Steve Smith, because these are guys who love batting so much and are willing to put in the hard yards to keep batting forever and batting at a certain level," said Manjrekar.
"So, yes, Virat Kohli, 50 overs is his format. Steve Smith as well. Doesn't fit perfectly in T20 cricket, but these are guys who are very good in that middle section when the game seems a little flat and boring. But this is the phase of the game that decides the fate of the game, and that's where Steve Smith and Virat Kohli are invaluable for the side," he added.
In conclusion, while both Kohli and Smith have had illustrious World Cup careers, it's essential to focus on their current contributions rather than speculating about their future in the tournament. With their track record, both players are likely to continue making significant impacts in the world of cricket.
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